Shoe sole cleaning device

ABSTRACT

A shoe sole cleaning device; the shoe sole cleaning device includes a base housing a dirty water reservoir, a top plate, a series of spray nozzles, and at least one bristle roller brush having bristles. Extending from the base is a housing having a water-acceptance port, a user interface, a clean water reservoir, a pump, a motor, a water intake line, and a water sprayer line. The series of spray nozzles are in alignment with the at least one bristle roller brush and configured to disperse the liquid from the clean water reservoir on to the at least one bristle roller brush. The bristle roller brushes are configured to rotate and remove germs, dirt, mud, and other debris from shoes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understandingthe present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of theinformation provided herein is prior art nor material to the presentlydescribed or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or documentthat is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of sanitizingdevices of existing art and more specifically relates to shoe sanitizingdevices.

RELATED ART

Footwear, such as shoes and boots, collects dirt and debris from use inthe outdoors. The simple door mat is provided at most dwellings toprovide a means for cleaning the soles of the shoes being worn by peopleentering the dwelling. Door mats are not very effective at removing dirtand debris, such as grass, snow, sand, etc., embedded in the treads ofsuch shoes. Door mats eventually get dirty and become less effective inremoving dirt. Mechanical devices for cleaning footwear have beendeveloped, but have not proven to be effective in both cleaning andsanitizing the bottom and sides of the shoes or boots being cleaned. Asuitable solution is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,118,818 to Eileen M. Holleran relates to an apparatusfor cleaning the lower portion of shoes. The described apparatus forcleaning the lower portion of shoes includes an apparatus for quicklyand easily removing the soil from the lower portions of shoes by meansof powered brushes adapted to the contours of the shoe and includesmeans for self-cleaning the brushes and collecting the soil.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known shoesanitizing device art, the present disclosure provides a novel shoe solecleaning device. The general purpose of the present disclosure, whichwill be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide apressure sensitive, motor driven, shoe sole cleaning device.

A shoe sole cleaning device is disclosed herein. The shoe sole cleaningdevice includes a base housing a dirty water reservoir, a top plate, aseries of spray nozzles, and at least one bristle roller brush havingbristles. Extending from the base is a housing having a water-acceptanceport, a user interface, a clean water reservoir, a pump, a motor, awater intake line, and a water sprayer line. The water intake line is influid communication with the clean water reservoir and is configured todeliver water from the clean water reservoir to the pump. The watersprayer line is connected to the pump and configured to deliver liquidto the series of spray nozzles. The series of spray nozzles are inalignment with the at least one bristle roller brush and configured todisperse the liquid from the clean water reservoir on to the at leastone bristle roller brush. A battery power source configured to power theshoe sole cleaning device. The bristle roller brushes are configured torotate and remove germs, dirt, mud, and other debris from shoes.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages,and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is tobe understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achievedin accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus,the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achievesor optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught hereinwithout necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught orsuggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to benovel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in theconcluding portion of the specification. These and other features,aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become betterunderstood with reference to the following drawings and detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specificationillustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, ashoe sole cleaning device, constructed and operative according to theteachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the shoe sole cleaning device during an‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of the shoe sole cleaning device ofFIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shoe sole cleaning device of FIG. 1,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the shoe sole cleaning device of FIG. 1,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the shoe sole cleaning device of FIG. 1,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein likedesignations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to shoesanitizing and more particularly to a shoe sole cleaning device as usedto improve the effective and efficient sanitizing and removal of debrisfrom footwear.

Generally, the present invention comprises a battery powered, automatedshoe sole cleaning device having soft bristle roller brushes. The softbristle roller brushes are configured to rotate and remove germs, dirt,mud, and other debris from shoes. The device includes a pressure sensorfor activation of the device when stepped on by a user. The devicefurther includes a refillable, liquid reservoir with dispensing nozzles.The reservoir may be filled with water or liquid cleaners/sanitizers.The dispensing nozzles are in alignment to moisten the roller brusheswhen the device is activated. The shoe sole cleaning device furtherpreferably comprises a digital display to broadcast the status of thedevice to a user. The device includes a removeable tray for collectionand disposal of liquid and debris removed from footwear. A sensor isprovided in the tray and is in communication with the digital display inorder to notify a user when the tray needs to be emptied and thereservoir needs to be refilled. The bristle roller brushes may be set tovarious speeds and the speed is user-selected via a toggle switch. Thepowered bristle roller brushes of the shoe sole cleaning device loosenand remove dirt, germs, and bacteria that collect on shoe soles. Theshoe sole cleaning device may include features for drying the shoe solesafter use, such as but not limited to an air blower and a platform withcloth mat.

In one embodiment, the base of the shoe sole cleaning device is made ofacrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and measures approximatelyeighteen inches in length by eight inches in width by four inches inheight (18″×8″×4″). The front two inches (2″) of length rise for anadditional three inches (3″) in height. On a sidewall of this raisedportion is an extending slot into which water may be applied within aclean water reservoir. This clean water reservoir in the front two-inch(2″) length segment of the base is of an approximate forty-ounce (40 floz) capacity, and includes a water-volume sensor and pump. The pumpconnects to hoses ending in spray nozzles. The spray nozzles arestrategically positioned on interior sidewalls of the base unit forhorizontal projection onto two (2) cylindrical bristle roller brushes,each measuring approximately ten inches in length by two and one-halfinches in diameter (10″×2.5″). Both of the bristle roller brush and thepump are powered by a motor, which is contained in a compartmentdirectly above the aforementioned clean water reservoir.

Fitting directly above the bristle roller brushes is a top plate, whichincludes slotted apertures that are perpendicular to the positioning ofthe aforementioned bristle roller brushes, and through which thebristles of the bristle roller brushes project. This tray, whichattaches to the base by depression springs, includes a metal tab on alower-front corner. The tab corresponds with a second metal tab on aninterior sidewall of the base, and wiring from that second metal tabextends to the motor. Directly below these bristle roller brushes is adirty water reservoir. A water-volume sensor is included in the dirtywater reservoir. On the top section of the raised portion of the base,directly above the clean water reservoir, is a volume display thatconnects by wire to, and reads the notations of the volume sensors ofeach container. In alternative embodiments, the shoe sole cleaningdevice may include only one (1) water-volume sensor in only one (1) ofits water containers, and may also be made without any water-volumesensor(s). Also featured on the top section are a power button, motorspeed-selecting buttons, and a battery power indicator. A battery forpowering of the motor, pump, display, and sensors is included in thissame housing above the clean water reservoir.

A method of using the shoe sole cleaning device is as follows: afterfilling the clean water reservoir with clean water, a user may depressthe power button and then apply a foot and shoe upon the top plate, andthen depress that plate to activate the unit. Water will then be pumpedfrom the clean water reservoir and be sprayed onto the at least onebristle roller brush, which will be rotating against the shoe sole toconduct its cleaning. Used water will then drop to collect in the dirtywater reservoir. The user may also select speed of brush rotation toensure desired cleaning. When the clean water reservoir nearly empties,or when the dirty water reservoir nearly fills to capacity, the userwill receive notification from the display screen. After use, the usercan enter a home or other structure with confidence in shoe cleanlinessand in the hygienic cleanliness of his or her shoes, thus leaving nofloor markings and transferring no dirt or germs.

The shoe sole cleaning device may be made in different sizes and shapes,and may be made of various materials of adequate durability andresistance. The shoe sole cleaning device may be made in variations thatinclude only a single water-storing compartment, and which wouldrecollect water after it is originally used on the cleaning brushes. Theshoe sole cleaning device can be made in variations that include araised handle for the user to grip during use. The shoe sole cleaningdevice can be made in variations that include a compartment for storageof a cleaning agent, and a pump and hose/nozzle for application of thecleaning agent upon the brushes. In such variation, the originalwater-storing compartment and corresponding hose/nozzle may or may notbe retained for rinsing away the applied cleaning agent.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals ofreference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-5, various views of a shoe solecleaning device 100.

FIG. 1 shows a shoe sole cleaning device 100 during an ‘in-use’condition 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.Here, the shoe sole cleaning device 100 may be beneficial for use by auser to clean soles of footwear 10, simplify a method of achieving thiscleanliness, and improve a sanitary and hygienic impact of footwear ontheir environments of use. As illustrated, the shoe sole cleaning device100 provides a battery powered, automated shoe sole cleaning devicehaving at least one bristle roller brush 120 configured to rotate andremove germs, dirt, mud, and other debris from footwear. The shoe solecleaning device 100 may be used with all shoe types, including sneakers,dress, sandals, open-toed, and open-sided varieties, unlike standardshoe sole cleaners.

FIG. 2 shows the shoe sole cleaning device 100 of FIG. 1, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the shoe solecleaning device 100 may include a base 110 and a housing 130. The base110 comprises a rectangular profile and houses a dirty water reservoir112, a top plate 114, a series of spray nozzles 116, and at least onebristle roller brush 120 having bristles. The housing 130 includes awater-acceptance port 132, a user interface 134, a clean water reservoir136, a pump 138, a motor 140, a battery power source 142, a water intakeline 144, and a water sprayer line 146. As shown, the dirty waterreservoir 112 comprises a removable tray 118 for collection and disposalof the liquid and the debris. In a preferred embodiment, the dirty waterreservoir 112 comprises a gripping handle 119 for easily pulling andremoving the dirty water reservoir 112 for disposal of collected liquidand debris. The dirty water reservoir 112 may include a water-volumesensor configured to monitor and notify a user if the dirty waterreservoir 112 needs to be emptied. A water level may be indicated on theuser interface 134.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shoe sole cleaning device 100 ofFIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The shoesole cleaning device 100 comprises the base 110 including thespring-loaded, top plate 114. The base 110 further comprises a brushactivation switch 154 as shown. The shoe sole cleaning device 100 ispressure sensitive and when pressure is applied to the top plate 114,the top plate 114 contacts the brush activation switch 154 therebyactivating the shoe sole cleaning device 100. The top plate 114comprises slotted apertures 115 through which the bristles of the atleast one bristle roller brush 120 project. As illustrated, the userinterface 134 may include a digital display 160 for indicating variousoperational statuses. The user interface 134 further includes a speedcontrol switch 162. A rotation speed of the at least one bristle rollerbrush 120 is adjustable using the user interface 134.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the shoe sole cleaning device 100 of FIG. 1,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the housing 130 includes the water-acceptance port 132, the userinterface 134, the clean water reservoir 136, the pump 138, the motor140, the battery power source 142, the water intake line 144, and thewater sprayer line 146. The water intake line 144 is in fluidcommunication with the clean water reservoir 136 and is configured todeliver water from the clean water reservoir 136 to the pump 138. Thewater sprayer line 146 is connected to the pump 138 and configured todeliver liquid to the series of spray nozzles 116 for dispersal. Theshoe sole cleaning device 100 may use a pump 138 of various sizes andcapacities, and which may dispense water through the series of spraynozzles 116 at various pressures and volumes. The series of spraynozzles 116 are strategically positioned on interior sidewalls 111 ofthe base 110. In other embodiments, the series of spray nozzles 116 maybe positioned in various alternative locations. The clean waterreservoir 136 is refillable with a selected the liquid including water,disinfectants, and the like. Additionally, the base 110 may include atextured bottom surface 122. The shoe sole cleaning device 100 may use amotor 140 of various sizes and capacities, and which may rotate thebristle roller brushes 120 at various speeds.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the shoe sole cleaning device 100 of FIG. 1,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG.5, the series of spray nozzles 116 are in alignment with the at leastone bristle roller brush 120 and configured to disperse the liquid fromthe clean water reservoir 136 on to the at least one bristle rollerbrush 120. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one bristle rollerbrush 120 includes two bristle roller brushes 120 and they areconfigured to rotate in opposing directions when activated in order tosanitize and remove debris from footwear 10. Each of the two bristleroller brushes 120 comprise an elongated cylindrical profile. Thebristle roller brushes 120 of the shoe sole cleaning device may vary innumber and in size, and the bristle roller brushes 120 may be positionedhorizontally or vertically.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary andnumerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readilyenvisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which areintended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention.Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application.

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent isset forth in the appended claims:
 1. A shoe sole cleaning device, saidshoe sole cleaning device comprising: a base housing, a dirty waterreservoir, a top plate, a series of spray nozzles, and at least onebristle roller brush having bristles, a housing having, awater-acceptance port, a user interface, a clean water reservoir, apump, and a motor, a battery power source configured to power said shoesole cleaning device, a water intake line in communication with saidclean water reservoir and configured to deliver water from said cleanwater reservoir to said pump, and a water sprayer line connected to saidpump and configured to deliver liquid to said series of spray nozzles,and wherein said at least one bristle roller brush is configured torotate when activated in order to sanitize and remove debris fromfootwear.
 2. The shoe sole cleaning device of claim 1, wherein saidseries of spray nozzles are in alignment with said at least one bristleroller brush and configured to disperse said liquid from said cleanwater reservoir on to said at least one bristle roller brush.
 3. Theshoe sole cleaning device of claim 1, wherein said dirty water reservoircomprises a removable tray for collection and disposal of said liquidand said debris.
 4. The shoe sole cleaning device of claim 3, whereinsaid removable tray comprises a gripping handle.
 5. The shoe solecleaning device of claim 1, wherein said top plate is spring-loaded. 6.The shoe sole cleaning device of claim 5, wherein said base furthercomprises a brush activation switch.
 7. The shoe sole cleaning device ofclaim 6, wherein said shoe sole cleaning device is pressure sensitiveand when pressure is applied to said top plate, said top plate contactssaid brush activation switch thereby activating said shoe sole cleaningdevice.
 8. The shoe sole cleaning device of claim 7, wherein said topplate comprises slotted apertures through which said bristles of said atleast one bristle roller brush project.
 9. The shoe sole cleaning deviceof claim 1, wherein a rotation speed of said at least one bristle rollerbrush is adjustable.
 10. The shoe sole cleaning device of claim 9,wherein said rotation speed of said at least one bristle roller brush isadjustable using said user interface.
 11. The shoe sole cleaning deviceof claim 10, wherein said user interface comprises a digital display.12. The shoe sole cleaning device of claim 11, wherein said userinterface further includes a speed control switch.
 13. The shoe solecleaning device of claim 1, comprises two of said at least one bristleroller brushes.
 14. The shoe sole cleaning device of claim 13, whereinsaid at least one bristle roller brush rotate in opposing directionsduring use.
 15. The shoe sole cleaning device of claim 1, wherein saidat least one bristle roller brush comprises an elongated cylindricalprofile.
 16. The shoe sole cleaning device of claim 1, further comprisesa series of sensors.
 17. The shoe sole cleaning device of claim 1,wherein said series of sensors includes a water-volume sensor.
 18. Theshoe sole cleaning device of claim 1, wherein said clean water reservoiris refillable with a selected said liquid.
 19. The shoe sole cleaningdevice of claim 1, wherein said base comprises a textured bottomsurface.
 20. A shoe sole cleaning device, the shoe sole cleaning devicecomprising: a base housing, a dirty water reservoir, a top plate, aseries of spray nozzles, and at least one bristle roller brush havingbristles, a series of sensors, a housing having, a water-acceptanceport, a user interface, a clean water reservoir, a pump, and a motor, abattery power source configured to power said shoe sole cleaning device,a water intake line in communication with said clean water reservoir andconfigured to deliver water from said clean water reservoir to saidpump, and a water sprayer line connected to said pump and configured todeliver liquid to said series of spray nozzles, wherein said at leastone bristle roller brush is configured to rotate when activated in orderto sanitize and remove debris from footwear; wherein said series ofspray nozzles are in alignment with said at least one bristle rollerbrush and configured to disperse said liquid from said clean waterreservoir on to said at least one bristle roller brush; wherein saiddirty water reservoir comprises a removable tray for collection anddisposal of said liquid and said debris; wherein said removable traycomprises a gripping handle; wherein said top plate is spring-loaded;wherein said base further comprises a brush activation switch; whereinsaid shoe sole cleaning device is pressure sensitive and when pressureis applied to said top plate, said top plate contacts said brushactivation switch thereby activating said shoe sole cleaning device;wherein said top plate comprises slotted apertures through which saidbristles of said at least one bristle roller brush project; wherein arotation speed of said at least one bristle roller brush is adjustable;wherein said rotation speed of said at least one bristle roller brush isadjustable using said user interface; wherein said user interfacecomprises a digital display; wherein said user interface furtherincludes a speed control switch; wherein said at least one bristleroller brush comprises an elongated cylindrical profile; wherein saidseries of sensors includes a water-volume sensor; wherein said cleanwater reservoir is refillable with a selected said liquid; and whereinsaid base comprises a textured bottom surface.